Defence contribution to the UK’s pandemic response

Defence Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 12 May 2020 Closed: 9 Jul 2021 Parliament page
This inquiry will focus on the Ministry of Defence’s and the Armed Forces’ contribution to the UK’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will: assess the MoD’s planning and preparedness for a pandemic understand how the Armed Forces have supported civilian authorities during the pandemic evaluate the effectiveness of the … Read more
3 Recommendations
4 Conclusions
1 Report
2 Oral sessions
1 Letter
2 Events
Activity timeline 7 events
9 Jul
2021
Report published
25 Mar
2021
Report published
24 Nov
2020
Oral evidence
24 Nov
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · The Macmillan Room, Portcullis House
14 Jul
2020
Oral evidence
14 Jul
2020
Formal meeting (oral evidence session) · Virtual meeting
12 May
2020
Correspondence
Oral evidence sessions 2 sessions
24 Nov 2020
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Panel 1
Anthony McGee · Ministry of Defence Major General Charles Stickland CB OBE · Ministry of Defence Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP · Ministry of Defence
14 Jul 2020
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Bruce Mann CB · UK Emergency Planning College Dr Jennifer Cole · Royal Holloway University of London Professor David Alexander · University College London (UCL)
Title HC No. Published Items Response
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset: Defence’s contribution to the… HC 357 25 Mar 2021 7 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
7 results
1 Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
From the evidence it is clear that there was a disconnect between the assessment of...
From the evidence it is clear that there was a disconnect between the assessment of the threat of an infectious disease pandemic (flu or otherwise) and the preparations for such an event occurring. Subsequent government actions (such as the re-drawing … Read more
Government Response
The Government notes the Committee’s recommendation.
Ministry of Defence
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2 Recommendation
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
Civilian agencies will inevitably require assistance in a crisis of this scale and there should...
Civilian agencies will inevitably require assistance in a crisis of this scale and there should be no stigma in seeking help from the Armed Forces. However, it is clear that preparations for a non-man-made threat such as an infectious disease … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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3 Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have made a vital contribution to the...
The Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have made a vital contribution to the UK’s management of the coronavirus pandemic. This crisis has served to highlight once again the unique flexibility and versatility of our Armed Forces. We express … Read more
Government Response
The Government recognises the vital and effective contribution to the UK’s pandemic response made by uniformed and civilian Defence personnel. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a unique national challenge, and … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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4 Recommendation
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
We believe earlier use could have been made of Defence’s unique capabilities and skills, notably...
We believe earlier use could have been made of Defence’s unique capabilities and skills, notably in the areas of strategic planning and crisis management. We are surprised that lessons from earlier crises were not learnt and that as a result … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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5 Recommendation
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
As the UK emerges from the pandemic, and in light of the UN Secretary General’s...
As the UK emerges from the pandemic, and in light of the UN Secretary General’s words that “in an interconnected world, none of us is safe until all of us are safe”, the Armed Forces may also have an important … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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6 Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
We encourage the Department to publish the outcome of its Lessons Summit to enable the...
We encourage the Department to publish the outcome of its Lessons Summit to enable the learning from this experience to be promulgated as widely as possible. Defence must ensure that it evaluates its own response to the pandemic, while contributing … Read more
Government Response
The Government understands the importance of constant evaluation and improvement of its crises response procedures and regularly identifies lessons to improve arrangements for the future. Only through such activities can … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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7 Conclusion
Sixth Report: Manpower or mindset:…
In addition to delaying the publication of the Integrated Review, it seems inevitable that the...
In addition to delaying the publication of the Integrated Review, it seems inevitable that the pandemic must also influence its conclusions. Coronavirus has highlighted serious deficiencies in the UK’s domestic resilience in the face of an anticipated threat. We have … Read more
Government Response
The Integrated Review has considered the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ways in which Defence was called upon to support the cross-Government response. We will improve our ability … Read more
Ministry of Defence
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Correspondence 1 letter
12 May 2020 To committee Letter, dated 12 May 2020, from Secretary of State for Defence in relation to use of Citriodiol by UK Armed Forces, with original letter from the Chair attached
Parliament page